Sunday, February 26, 2012

This beautiful work of art by Inga Nielsen is titled "Hideaway." Inga said she created it on her computer using a scenery generator. But it has been circulating around the Internet as a photograph since 2006, and was even featured as NASA's "Astronomy Picture of the Day."

Thursday, February 23, 2012

On a recent trip to the Smoky Mountains in Tennessee we saw some signs of spring! These daffodills had the slightest fragrance. They were bent downward a little because of a snowfall duing the night, but it was nearly noon when I took this photo to show you.

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Have you seen the new book, "Back to Charm School" by Mary Etherington and Connie Tesene from Country Threads in Iowa? This is Book #2 with more ideas for small quilts you can make using 5" charm squares. Some are simple and others are more challenging, but they're all very pretty. This book also has instructions for making quilt binding and other good info for new quilters.

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Doesn't this look like a lot of fun? Take a look at Carla Barrett's free tutorial on Feathered Fibers. I have a road trip in my near future and I think I'll make one of these. Don't worry, I won't crochet and drive at the same time. I can't wait to show you what comes of this!

Friday, February 17, 2012

This pretty selvage scarf is the creation of Linda Hall from Florida of The Quilting Violinist. It measures 3.5" x 88" and sells on Etsy for $23. She shows it worn as a belt too. I like her scarf: raw edge, long and skinny. Nice job, Linda!

Sunday, February 12, 2012

My DH and I recently visited the Harney Tea tasting room in Millerton, NY. All those black and gold boxes on the shelves are filled with wonderful teas from around the world. They have some already brewed for you to taste, and they'll recommend other teas you can try too. I found a new favorite: Chinese Panyang Golden Tips. The one I bought was a Darjeeling, and less expensive.

They also have a tasting room in SoHo, New York City. Go visit if you're in the area.

Thursday, February 9, 2012

Shannon Kramp of Buffalo, NY has this selvage dress for sale at KrampKouture on Etsy. Shannon refashions used and vintage clothing. She offers the edginess of couture without the big pricetag.

If I was going to wear this dress I'd have to learn not to walk too close to doorknobs and drawer pulls! I'd need handlers to walk with me like Mickey Mouse has. Haha. Shannon is definitely thinking out of the box!

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

Christina of A Few Scraps in Portland, OR made this selvage fabric on Spoonflower! Isn't this amazing? The biggest dots are about an inch across. Christina decided to make a smaller version too. You can see both on her blog, and you can purchase this fabric at Spoonflower ($18/yard): large dots, and small dots. I'm liking the busyness of the smaller dots. I've been thinking of this for a long time. Actually doing it is so much better! Yayy, Christina!

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

Have you heard about the upcoming Quilt Festival? June 7-10 in Galway, Ireland. This looks like it would be a wonderful experience! There's still time if you want to enter a quilt or other quilted item. Photos due very soon. See Exhibit page for particulars.

Sunday, February 5, 2012

Here are the winners in the fat quarter giveaway! At least this is how I imagine they look. I'm not really sure. That must be me in the white dress, presenting the prizes. I don't know if the winner in the middle is wearing a crown, or standing under a chandelier! Heehee.

Saturday, February 4, 2012

This simple block is a good project for new quilters, and it goes together fast. It looks like hedges in a formal garden, doesn't it? Take a look at the book, then leave a comment for the fat quarter giveaway. I hope you're not going "stair-crazy" yet! Haha. I do get a little carried away sometimes.

YOUR QUILTS: Email a photo of your stairstep quilt and I'll feature it here on the Selvage Blog. (Please send it as an attachment.)

Friday, February 3, 2012

Ray Koshy of Galveston, Texas is one of less than a hundred rice straw artists in the world. He hopes to preserve this ancient art form by introducing it to the public on Etsy. His shop is: Rice Straw Museum Shop. I had no idea that rice straw looked like this. The "tree trunk" above looks embroidered, like a satin stitch, doesn't it?

This 8" x 10" portrait was made with leaves of the rice plant. How amazing!

Be sure to enter the giveaway in the post below. Drawing for 4 winners of Kaffe Fassett fat quarter bundles on Sunday.

Thursday, February 2, 2012

"Attic Stairs" is one of the quilt patterns in my new book. It's a no-thinking-required scrap-buster. As you generate scraps from other projects, cut and toss into 2 piles: one dark and one light. Sew pairs, then trim into final size. Before you know it you'll have that gift you've been meaning to make. See the book, and then comment to enter the fat quarter giveaway.

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

My new book is out today! It features eleven fabulous versions of the Stairstep quilt.

It's easy enough for new quilters, but it has design options that will tempt experienced quilters too.

I'm really excited about it!

The book is a pdf, so you get it immediately via email. Print it if you like. Take a look. Then come back and leave a comment. You'll be automatically entered in a random drawing for a package of 4 fat quarters by Kaffe Fasset. Four winners will be announced on Sunday Feb. 5.

Red and White Quilt Exhibit

Have you been featured here?

Selvage Asterisk Block!

About Me

Quilt-making is my passion. I love the creative process. Why "Selvage Quilter?"
See my book: "Quilts from the Selvage Edge" published by American Quilter's Society. Be sure to visit my shop: www.Etsy.com/Shop/KarenGriskaQuilts.
My husband and I live in the beautiful hills of Litchfield, Connecticut. We have two grown sons: a photographer in NYC, and a retailer/artist in CT. Our DIL is studying to be a Physician's Assistant.
We enjoy hiking, photography, watching movies, eating pizza, and visiting with family.